Draft Minutes
Draft Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Public Forum
Two members of the public present to observe proceedings.
Councillors:
C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair), C. Russell, L. McShane, D. Bellamy, M. Childs, R. Brocklebank, T. O’Regan, S. Jordan-Bird, D Heath French.
In Attendance
Nancy Denny, Locum Clerk to the Parish Council.
LCC Cllr C. Vernon who left at 8.30pm
SKDC Cllr D. Bellamy
Agenda Item No
2026.56 Apologies for absence.
Cllr. E O’Neill and District Cllr B Green – valid reasons given
2026.57 Chair’s remarks.
Cllr C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair) welcomed everyone and thanked the locum clerk for her work alongside Councillors who have been supportive in carrying out checks. She reminded attendees that the meeting is recorded for the purpose of accurate minutes. The recordings are destroyed when the minutes are adopted.
2026.58 Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000
None
2026.59 Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
All present agreed that the official minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 1st July 2026 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Vice Chair.
2026.60 County/District Cllr Report.
County Councillor Charlotte Vernon reported: -
1. The options for Local Government Re-organisation (LGR) have been announced. Central Government have decided that from 1st April 2028, Lincolnshire will be comprised of 2 unitary authorities: Lincoln Unitary Authority (mainly Lincoln City) and Lincolnshire Authority (LA). Until then, everything remains the same. The County Council have raised a pre-action protocol which questions the processes taken to reach this decision. This is the first step which could lead to a potential judicial review. In the re-organisation, LA will have 47 x 2-seat divisions and 6 x 1-seat divisions with a maximum of 100 councillors. This will put undue pressure on the 6 County Councillors who will have to cover a large area single handed and there will also be a steep drop in current County Councillor numbers. The location for the new LA offices has yet to be decided.
2. A huge thank you was extended to the local retained fire service who have been working extremely hard over the dry summer. In one week, they had 58 call outs which is unprecedented.
3. Drain cleansing will not be carried out if cars are not moved out of the way. Residents receive letters alerting them of the service. If the drains cannot be accessed, they will be left until the next scheduled service date.
Cllr C Vernon was made aware of drain issues in Back Lane, Colsterworth and Main Street, Gunby that had been reported on FixMyStreet. Response will be monitored.
4. The Councillor Grant Scheme is open for applications. Awards from £100 - £3000 are available for smaller projects, and £3001 - £15,000 for wider reaching projects.
SKDC Cllr D. Bellamy reported: -
1. He attended the Bourne Road development committee meeting to raise the PC’s objections, but it was approved.
2. The Local Planning Review is due to streamline the system and the new protocol will be adopted by SKDC. This will not result in a change to the numbers of new builds already designated for the area in the next 5 years and may lead to a rise in speculative development.
3. A briefing is due to be held on Thursday 3rd Sept on the Scheme of Delegation proposed by the Government. It is likely there will be no committees in the future and vetoes and decisions will be senior officer led instead. This system is due to be implemented from October.
4. The AD public enquiry took place over 4 days from the 14th July. The Planning Inspector is due back on site on the 14th Sept.
5. Notices have appeared in North Witham for the landowner with reference to the location of the Weston Marsh Grid and possible sites identified for a depot location during its construction. A traffic survey was carried out on Sunday 30th Aug.
6. Outline planning permission has been granted for a substation near the Canner’s Lane development. The site would cover 100 acres.
SKDC Cllr B. Green reported via email: -
1. LGR updates (covered above)
2. Kerbside battery collections remain suspended. He is investigating the reason behind this.
3. Changes are being proposed to backbench scrutiny rules at SKDC and these are being discussed at an Extraordinary Governance & Audit Meeting on the 7th Sept.
4. The Canner’s Lane Battery Energy Storage Development near Stoke Rochford has been approved. Concerns had been raised about the location, especially the proximity to ancient woodland and the long-term effect on the landscape.
2026.61 To approve an increase order of In Touch magazine to 1050 copies
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To accept the increase order as already agreed via email in time for the September issue to be delivered.
2026.62 To discuss correspondence received reference the future of the Village Hall lease.
Cllr C Hainsworth had circulated a summary of the recent position of the Village Hall and its proposed future ownership and usage. The PC has no direct involvement and cannot mount a bid at such short notice, but are very keen to keep the facility available to all residents. The Sports and Social Club has decided it is not sustainable to run, especially with high business rates expected in April 2026. Timeframes and options were discussed. There is a general open meeting being held at 4pm on the 6th Sept. It was suggested that to defer the decision, the PC could apply for an Asset of Community Value (ACV) for the Village Hall.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To register the Village Hall as an Asset of Community Value
2026.63 To consider replacement defibrillators for Colsterworth – 5 units
Report had been circulated with the summons.
Three of the defibrillators on Colsterworth are currently on loan. It is recommended that all 5 units are replaced and, alongside the 2 requested for Gunby and Stainby, 7 units need to be funded. Grant avenues need to be explored and expenditure included in the budget.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To add this as a Finance and Administration project for the October meeting.
2026.64 To consider carrying out a tree survey for the Nature Trail
There is an issue with Ash dieback and PC owned trees should be surveyed.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To request quotes for a tree survey to be carried out.
2026.65 Risk Exception Report
Received with no comments.
2026.66 Clerks Report Action
1. Three defibrillators in Colsterworth have been reported as not active. Little Legs Nursery unit needs to be serviced; The White Lion unit also needs a replacement battery, but the cabinet is filling with water; North Witham Village Hall unit needs a replacement battery. All these units are at least 10 years old and not under a service plan. Batteries cost at least £250. Three active temporary units have been sourced for the time being until Council decides on their plan of action - to continue with the old models or to replace them. Buckminster Estates are sourcing 2 units for Gunby and Stainby. The PC has agreed to take on the maintenance and servicing contract for these. Clerk
2. Both Play Park gates at Woolsthorpe Road play Park do not close properly. The soft close hinges are broken. A different style spring closure hinge will be fitted to the metal gates in situ. A single gate at Colster Way Play Park has also been reported as broken. New hinges have been ordered like for like and will be fitted soonest. Clerk/Cllrs
3. The clerk has emailed the Planning Department submitting the geophysical survey carried out by South Witham Archaeological Group to satisfy condition 3 of Decision Notice S25/1979. We are waiting for a reply. Clerk
4. The Council’s view on the mirror at the crossroads of High Street and Bourne Road has been sent to the resident who raised the query. Clerk
5. A Temporary Traffic Road Closure has been applied for Remembrance Sunday, 8th November. A confirmation email has been received from LCC Highways Events team. Clerk
6. Stackmail has been contacted to try to sort out issues with a Councillor’s email. Clerk
7. Details on the Smaller Authorities Audit Appointments have been updated in preparation for digital AGAR. Clerk
8. Jonathan Thompson, the local farmer, was phoned to see if he could cut back the hedge at Old Post crossroads as visibility for vehicles trying to pull out of Old Post Lane onto the Stainby Road was poor. He has very kindly completed this. Clerk
9. Two wreaths have been ordered for 2026 and 2027. This saves on postage. Clerk
10. Nature Trail – visit with Mo, Nature Trail Ranger, to discuss the state of the trees bordering the trail and the need to carry out a tree survey. Clerk
11. Fix My Street 2898789: the dead tree on Walnut Grove was reported. Action is underway, but more concerns have been raised about the state of the tree in the current heatwave.
Fix my Street: following a report of 30+ KEYKEG cylinders dumped at this location - What3Words:///hourglass.thinkers.harshest – this has been reported to FMS and we are awaiting a progress report. Clerk
12. Fly tipping of large sandbags was also reported with photographs supplied. It is thought that the land belongs to Larkfleet Homes and they have been contacted to confirm ownership. Clerk
13. The print run for In Touch magazine for August received only 19 additional copies on top of the 1000 order. An additional 31 copies had to be ordered as a separate run to fulfil the quota for households. Future orders for the In Touch magazine has been increased to 1050 with only a marginal increase in print costs, but a guaranteed delivery number. Clerk
14. Cllr Hainsworth and the clerk met with a new allotment plot holder on the Stamford Road allotments to look at plot boundaries and access. Adjacent plot holders were contacted to advise them of the intended clearance of the plot in question and the erection of fencing. Clerk
15. Fixmystreet 2901993 Overgrown Footpath 20 School Lane to Spring Lane Colsterworth. The footpath was reported as overgrown with nettles so has been registered for clearance. Clerk
16. A resident in Gunby reported issues with blocked storm drains and an overgrown stream in the village. This was flagged up in February to LCC, but seems to be an ongoing issue. Cllr D Bellamy has also tried to help to resolve this, but there has been no response. Photos will be taken and forwarded to LCC to see if progress can be made. Clerk
17. The Clerk contacted SKDC planning department as no response has been received to the submission of a request for a variation in planning conditions for S25/1979. We are still waiting for a response as the department is very busy. Clerk
18. The Clerk visited a resident in Gunby who reported blocked drains and the fact that the stream has not been cleared this year back in February. Several photos were taken to submit to LCC and to Anglia Water. Cllr David Bellamy is aware of the issue and has been trying to pursue a resolution. A FIxMy Street case number, 4211942, is linked to the problem: case officer Julie O’Neill. The issue will be followed up. Clerk
19. The clerk walked the Nature trail on Weds 26th Aug with the ranger, Mo Taylor and discussed ongoing issues with trees and future projects which include a new bench donated by the flower club. Clerk
2026.67 Correspondence
1. A meeting was organised with Alicia Kearns MP on Thursday 30th July in Colsterworth to discuss the HGV issues raised by parishioners. Clerk/Cllrs
2. An email was circulated to Stamford Road Allotment tenants to remind them to try to keep weeds down following correspondence from one plot holder. Clerk
3. An email was received from HSBC reference potential fee changes from 14.12.26 Clerk/Cllrs
4. Email asking permission to clear Colsterworth river of metallic debris using magnets. It was thought that this was not in the remit of the PC but the Environment Agency, so no response was required. Clerk/Cllrs
5. A donation was received from the closure of garden club. This amount has been ring fenced as an earmarked reserve so it will be used for purchasing a bench for the Nature Trail and other improvements as needed. Clerk/Cllrs
6. A parishioner raised concerns about the footpath disappearance from the entrance of Bourne Paddock. The comments from LCC S26/ Rights of Way and Access Team were forwarded to her. It was also pointed out that this application was due to be discussed at the Planning Meeting on 6th August. Clerk/Cllrs
7. Street naming Canister Court - no objections received and the link to local heritage was appreciated. Clerk/Cllrs
8. A consultation for new Post Office van times for Colsterworth run from Billingborough was circulated. Date of closure 19th August 2026. Clerk
9. An incident on Nature Trail flagged up on Facebook 22 July. The information was circulated to Councillors. Clerk/Cllrs
10. Correspondence was received and circulated about the Village Hall lease and maintaining it as a community asset. See agenda item 2026.63 Clerk/Cllrs
11. The status of the bowls club is under discussion, but the PC are awaiting a formal approach to be able to take this further. Cllrs
12. A resident raised a concern through Mo Taylor, Nature Trail Ranger, about overhanging branches from trees located on the Nature Trail. He confirmed that she could remove any which encroached her garden at her own cost and risk. The tree in question is an ash, so the potential for ash dieback in the future needs to be considered. It looks healthy now, but a tree survey is due for the Nature Trail trees and is recommended. Clerk/Cllrs
13. An update was received from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire National Grid about ground investigation surveys due to be carried out over the next 18 to 24 months. Parishioners can contact them at WMEL@savills.com or see updates at www.nationalgrid.com/wmel
Clerk/Cllrs
14. A concern was raised about traffic from over-sized lorries on Woolsthorpe Road from Skillington Quarry and possibly the old landfill site and the issue that the weight restriction on the Woolsthorpe Road bridge was being breached. Evidence was requested so that Council could formally lodge a complaint with SKDC and Skillington quarry. Clerk/Cllrs
15. A query was received about the derelict garage adjacent to the White Lion on High Street with a view to refurbishment. The PC has no link to the garage, so it was suggested that adjacent properties were contacted for information and advice. Clerk/Cllrs
16. Issue of Microlite noise on Wednesday 12th August over Gunby, Stainby and other villages. This seems to be persistent as it had been previously reported in April. Unfortunately, noise is not a reportable issue, but low flying and possible use of the take-off and landing site for no more than 28 days per month could be enforced. Evidence is needed. Clerk/Cllrs
17. A request for an update on the hedge issue at Stamford Road Allotments was received. Savills have been emailed. Clerk
18. Issues with cars being parked on Belvoir Close by residents on Colster Way, using it as an overflow car park and allegedly as an area to test out cars being repaired. It causes issues with deliveries and for residents on Belvoir Close. Clerk/Cllrs
2026.68 Planning
SKDC Planning Applications
S26/0458/PSLET Planning committee meeting 9th July to consider application S26/0458/PSLET for 18 self storage units on Great North Road, Colsterworth. Cllr D Bellamy submitted a representation to be read out at the meeting outlining the PC and his concerns about the development.
S26/0683/PSLET Planning Committee meeting 6th August to consider application S26/0683/PSLET for construction of 4no dwellings on land between 16-18 Bourne Rd, Colsterworth NG33 5JE
S26/1340 Discharge of Conditions (Planning)
Submission of details reserved by Condition 3 (Construction Traffic, Management Plan) of planning permission S26/0458 (Erection of 18no. fixed self-storage units)
Secure Self Storage (a1) Ltd, Great North Road, Colsterworth, NG33 5JJ
S26/1391 Discharge of Conditions (Planning)
Submission of details reserved by conditions 3 (During building work) of planning permission S25/1484.
8 Back Lane Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5NJ App Type:
S26/1424 Works to TPO Tree(s):
Proposal:
T1- Horse Chestnut- Crown Raise to 2.4m to provide clearance over the road.
T2- Box Elder- Reduce back to the Boundary.
T3- Yew- To trim lateral branches and improve appearance.
T4- Beech- To trim lateral branches and improve visual appearance.
T5- Horse Chestnut- Crown Raise to 2.4m to provide clearance over the road.
G1 (T6, T7, T8, T11 & T12) - Sycamore- Crown raise to 2.4m.
T9- Laurel- Niwaki prune to improve visual appearance and to allow more light around canopy floor.
T10- Holly- Crown raise to 2.4m to ensure clearance over private road for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
G2 (T13, T14 & T15)- Yew- Crown Raise to 2.4m to provide necessary clearance, improve ground conditions and provide ongoing maintenance. T16 & T17- Sycamore- Crown Raise to 2.4m, to provide necessary road clearance to ensure public safety.
T18- Hawthorn- To remove dead lateral branches to improve the health of the tree, to provide ongoing maintenance and ensure public safety. T19 & T20- Apple Trees- To create an umbrella shape by reducing the crown by 1.5m, to reduce the size and weight minimising the risk of limb failure whilst retaining amenity value.
Location: The Rectory 13A Back Lane Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5NJ
PL/0037/26 Alert to amended description added to the application:
DEVELOPMENT: PART RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF WEIGHBRIDGE AND WHEEL CLEANING FACILITY (AS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED UNDER S22/2421) AND SITING OF PORTABLE BUILDINGS
LOCATION: COLSTERWORTH TRIANGLE, CRABTREE ROAD, COLSTERWORTH
Email received 24/08/26
LCC Planning Permission Granted
SKDC Planning Permission Granted
S26/0918 Proposal: G1 - Group of 3 x horse chestnut, growing towards house - Provide approx 3m clearance from any part of the house and 4m crown raise on the surrounding horse chestnut trees
G2 - Group of 3 x silver birch, growing towards house - prune 3m away from property & 2.5m from ground level
T1 - Beech growing towards house - tree over patio, crown raise to 4m all around canopy
Location: The Rectory, 13A Back Lane, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NJ
S26/0688 Application for Certificate of Lawful Development for the installation of twelve electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, along with associated equipment, within existing car park of the OK Diner, Colsterworth.
S26/0687 Application for proposed substation, display totem, and associated works
Colsterworth Grantham NG33 5LN
S26/0683 Application for construction of 4no dwellings
Land between 16-18 Bourne Road, Colsterworth NG33 5JE
2026.69 Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs C Hainsworth, E O’Neill, M Childs, C Russell). Next meeting tbc.
1. Resolve to renew the following policy at its annual review:
CAD Business Continuity Plan
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Point 1 unanimously agreed.
2. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 20/08/2026 - – received with no comments.
3. Notice of Conclusion of Audit posted on the PC website 29/08/2026. Will be on October’s agenda for Council approval
2026.70 Planning Committee Report
1. Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold.
The new National Planning Policy states that in the future Neighbourhood Plans will need to suggest allocations.
Group Reports
2026.71 Highways & Footpaths Working Group.
Fixmystreet Ash plant 2898789
Fixmystreet Dump of KeyKegs - ongoing
Fixmystreet 2901993 Overgrown Footpath 20 School Lane to Spring Lane Colsterworth
Clearance work completed 24/08/2026
Fixmystreet Main Street Gunby 4211942 is closed. New report 2903408
Email update from LCC 01.09.26 We’ve had a look at it and the drain will be cleaned as part of the next schedule of works. State changed to: Closed
Blocked drain outside Mill Farm, Gunby is still in the system.
National Grid is coming to cut the trees on Back Lane which are touching the power cables this year as opposed in two years’ time.
The meeting with Alicia Kearns, MP was fruitful and her involvement will lend weight to further discussions with LCC. A member of her team has been designated to help with issues. A walkabout with Highways needs to be carried out highlight all the concerns and this must be facilitated through the County Councillor.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To formally write to Cllr Charlotte Vernon to request a walkabout in Colsterworth with representatives from LCC Highways to highlight the issues raised with Alicia Kearns, MP and to agree a plan of action.
TTRO/TTR017748
Temporary traffic restriction: Colsterworth
Please note it will be necessary to impose a temporary restriction as detailed below.
Organisation responsible for restriction: Lincolnshire County Council
Reason for restriction: Carriageway resurfacing
Nature and location of restriction:
Public right of way closure Order - Colsterworth PROW 20/1 (Between Spring Lane & School Lane)
Period of restriction:
24/08/2026 - 18/09/2026
TTRO/TTR016007
Please note it will be necessary to impose a temporary restriction as detailed below.
Organisation responsible for restriction: Lincolnshire County Council
Reason for restriction: Carriageway resurfacing
Nature and location of restriction:
Road closure Order -
B676 Bourne Road (Between A151 Bourne Road & Coronation Drive)
A151 Bourne Road (Between B676 Roundabout & a point 1025m East, including A1 Northbound & Southbound Sliproads)
Access Road to Services
***The above restriction is now cancelled - works have been postponed to April 2027***
Period of restriction:
20/07/2026 - 29/08/2026
AD PLANT PUBLIC ENQUIRY – Public meeting held in July attended by Cllr D Bellamy who delivered the PC’s and DC’s submissions. It is possible that there will be a reconvene in September for site visits and discussions about conditions should the development be approved.
All Fix My Street (FMS) Reports can be found at
https://fixmystreet.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
2026.72
Environment & Amenities Working Group Report.
Update from Cemetery Extension Working Group – report from South Witham Archaeological Group. No update received from the application submitted to SKDC.
Update from Nature Trail Interpretation Board (Phase 2) Working Group.
The style and format of the board is not yet agreed. It needs to be created from scratch to include historical information.
The Newton 300 anniversary plans (lead Cllr D Heath French)
The date is 31st March 2027 – should Colsterworth hold an event led by the PC in conjunction with other local groups?
2026.73 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT JULY AND AUGUST 2026
Unanimously approved see Appendix A.
2026.74 Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights.
There is a line of shingle across Woolsthorpe Road.
The Grimsthorpe brown sign on the flyover needs reporting.
Updates from Cllrs or Clerks Training Courses attended.
2026.75 The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 6th October 2026. There being no other business, the Vice Chair, Caroline Hainsworth, closed the meeting at 8.55pm.
SIGNED:
CHAIR DATE:
Cllr Name Constituency Attended Apologies Absent
E. O’Neill (Chair) Colsterworth 3 1
C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair) Colsterworth 4
D. Bellamy North Witham & Lobthorpe 2 2
L. McShane Colsterworth 2 2
T. O’Regan Colsterworth 4
R. Brocklebank Colsterworth 3 1
C. Russell Colsterworth 4
M. Childs Colsterworth 4
R. Chatterton Gunby & Stainby 2 2
D. Heath French Colsterworth 2 1 1
S. Jordan-Bird Colsterworth 4
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy North Witham & Lobthorpe